MEC must come clean over backlog in pension payouts to retired health workers

The Eastern Cape MEC for Health, Dr. Phumza Dyantyi, cannot allow bumbling bureaucrats to stand in the way of retired officials of her department from receiving their benefits.

I have received a number of complaints from retired officials who are facing the injustice of battling to secure benefits earned in trust and good faith.

Sadly, in one case, Raymond Springer, who worked at Frere Hospital for 26 years and retired in 2014, died having suffered the frustration, stress and injustice of not receiving his pension for three months and without ever getting his outstanding leave gratuity.

The DA submitted questions for oral reply to the Provincial Legislature to expedite full and final payment of Mr. Springer’s outstanding leave gratuities, which MEC Dyantyi said would be transferred on 03 June. Payment was not made and only happened last Thursday (subs: (9 June), a month after Mr. Springer died.

Shame on the Department of Health and on the MEC. It is inexcusable to raise expectations, commit to a delivery date and then fail to meet your own deadline.

In a free and fair society, the government should care for its people, particularly the elderly.

I have submitted further questions to the MEC as to why there seems to be a backlog in leave gratuity payouts in her departments, how many people, including retired officials are affected and what remedial action she will be taking.

No retiree or any member of their family should have to fight for pension benefits. — Celeste Barker MPL, Shadow MEC for Health